The gospel is not simply a display of power but the effective operation of God’s power leading to salvation. It has purpose and direction.44 The salvation Paul spoke of is more than forgiveness of sin. It includes the full scope of deliverance from the results of Adam’s sin. It involves justification (being set right with God), sanctification (growth in holiness), and glorification (the ultimate transformation into the likeness of Christ; cf. 1 John 3:2). The gospel serves the eternal purposes
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